The Buffalo History Museum Podcast

On November 16, 1896, at 12:01am, Buffalo received its first transmission of electricity from Niagara Falls via alternating current. This technology, developed by Serbian-American electrical engineer Nikola Tesla, would forever change society—and it all started right here.

Ed Burdick was a young and successful businessman. His marriage, however, was far from perfect. On a cold February morning in 1903, Ed was found murdered in his home, his skull fractured. The investigation that followed would reveal a steamy affair, an impending divorce, and plenty of motives. But, in the end, would anyone be brought to justice?

"Buffalo Gals" is a traditional folk song performed by such artists as Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen. The song, however, is more than an upbeat tune. Behind its bars is a story of racism and ignorance perhaps born right here in Western New York. 

On October 24, 1901, sixty-three year old Annie Edson Taylor went over Niagara Falls in a barrel of her own design. Would things go swimmingly?

 

Be sure to visit the Buffalo History Museum's brand new exhibit, Continuum: A History of Erie County, open now!

 

 

For a brief time, one game actually, Buffalo's suburb of Tonawanda was home to an NFL franchise--the league's shortest lived team. 

In an attempt to rid their homeland of British control, an army of Irish-Americans launch an attack from Buffalo into Canada during the spring of 1866. 

 

Please rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you listen.

 

For more information about the Buffalo History Museum, visit www.buffalohistory.org. Also, be sure to check out our upcoming feature exhibit, "Continuum: A History of Erie County" opening October 22. 

 

Between 1970 and 1978, the Buffalo Braves brought NBA excitement to Western New York. Led by former league MVP Bob McAdoo, the team earned three playoff appearances in eight years, but ownership issues plagued the franchise. The team left Buffalo following the 1977-78 season, moving west and becoming the San Diego Clippers. 

 

Please rate and review our podcast and subscribe for new episodes every two weeks!

In 1908, teams from four countries competed in the most trying automobile endurance race to date. In the end, it was Western New York's own George Schuster crossing the finish line first in a Buffalo-made E.R. Thomas car.

In 1908, teams from four countries competed in the most trying automobile endurance race to date. In the end, it was Western New York's own George Schuster crossing the finish line first in a Buffalo-made E.R. Thomas. 

 

 

On June 2, 1886, Buffalo's Frances Folsom married President Grover Cleveland (also of Buffalo) in the Blue Room of the White House, making her the youngest First Lady in U.S. history.